03 August 2026
Travelling overseas can increase the risk of diarrhoea infections, particularly in places with unsafe drinking water or inadequate food hygiene. Planning ahead and taking practical food, water and hygiene precautions can help reduce risk.
What Is Traveller’s Diarrhoea?
Traveller’s diarrhoea may result from contaminated food or water and can be caused by organisms including E. coli, Salmonella and Shigella. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.
Why Travellers Are at Risk
Several factors increase the risk of diarrhoea while traveling:
- Eating contaminated raw or undercooked food.
- Drinking contaminated or untreated water.
- Consuming raw unpasteurised milk products.
- Poor hand hygiene or touching contaminated surfaces.
Planning Ahead: Packing Essentials
Preparation is key to managing traveller’s diarrhoea.
Consider packing:
- Oral rehydration salts or solution to replace water and electrolytes lost during diarrhoea.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitiser for times when soap, water and a clean towel are unavailable.
- Any personal medicines and information about how to access healthcare at your destination.
- An over-the-counter diarrhoea treatment only after checking with a pharmacist that it is appropriate for you and understanding how to use it.
Food, Water and Hygiene Tips
- Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet.
- Avoid untreated water. If you are unsure whether water is safe, use water that has been boiled or appropriately treated, or consider bottled water.
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat, raw unpasteurised milk products and shellfish gathered from contaminated water.
- Wash fruit and vegetables before use, especially if eating them raw.
- Limit alcohol or caffeine if they worsen loose stools.
Managing Diarrhoea While Traveling
If diarrhoea occurs despite precautions:
- Drink additional fluids. Drink mostly water and consider an oral rehydration product if needed.
- Rest and monitor your symptoms.
- Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional whether an over-the-counter diarrhoea treatment is appropriate for you.
- Seek medical care for severe, worsening or persistent symptoms, blood in diarrhoea or vomit, severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting that prevents you keeping fluids down, or signs of dehydration.
When to Seek Medical Attention Abroad
Seek medical care if symptoms are severe or worsening, are not going away after three or four days, or include blood in diarrhoea or vomit, severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting that prevents you keeping fluids down, or signs of dehydration.
Plan Ahead
Good hand hygiene, safer food and water choices, and access to oral rehydration products can help you manage risk while travelling. Before departure, ask a pharmacist whether an over-the-counter diarrhoea treatment is suitable for you and when medical care should take priority.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Speak with your healthcare professional for advice that reflects your individual health needs